STD Medication Side Effects

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HIV/AIDS are some of the most commonly contracted STDs. Medications for these STDs may cause a variety of side effects. The treatment method and medication prescribed for each STD will depend on the severity of the condition. Prescribed medication needs to be taken as directed. Skipping or missing doses may cause a need for more medication to be prescribed to effectively treat the STD.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Medication Side Effects

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be effectively treated with antibiotics The most common antibiotics that are prescribed for Chlamydia are amoxicillin, azithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin. For gonorrhea, cefixime and ceftriaxone are the antibiotics that are normally prescribed. The side effects that can be caused by antibiotics are nausea, vomiting, and yeast infections in women. Eating before taking the antibiotics can reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting.

Erythromycin can increase the risk of a cardiac death if it is taken with some common medications. The physician needs to be aware of any medications that are being taken.

Taking levofloxacin and ofloxacin can cause an increased risk of tendon damage. Notify the physician immediately if there are signs of swelling around the ankles, elbows, shoulders, or hands.

Herpes Medication Side Effects

Herpes cannot be cured, but medications can be taken to help reduce the symptoms. Antiviral medications are prescribed to stop the growth of the herpes simplex virus. Acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir may be prescribed to decrease the length and severity of an outbreak. The side effects that can occur while taking these antiviral medications are headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. These medications can on rare occasions cause constipation or kidney problems.

HIV/AIDS Medication Side Effects

HIV/AIDS is not curable, but the use of medications can slow down the progression of the virus. These medications can allow those infected to live long and happy lives. HIV/AIDS is treated with a combination of several different medications. There are medications that are used to treat the HIV infection directly, and medications that are used to treat the disease's side effects. Physicians may also prescribe medications to treat any infections contracted due to the immune system being weakened. The more common side effects of these medications are diarrhea, nausea, difficulty breathing, chills, fever, pneumonia, a skin rash, low blood pressure and blood in the urine. Rare but serious side effects can include a decrease in white and red blood cells, pancreas inflammation and painful nerve damage.